Hey there, fellow food lovers!
Are you in the mood for a cozy and hearty dish? Look no further!
Today, I’m sharing my delicious gnocchi sausage casserole.
It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this casserole is sure to become a new favorite.
Let’s dive into the recipe! 🍽️
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Total Time | 55-70 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the spinach mix:
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 beaten egg (large)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1½ cups whole milk ricotta
- 4 oz baby spinach (fresh, for best results)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for better flavor)
For the meat sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (I use Colavita extra virgin)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 4 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 (14 oz) cans diced tomatoes (I use Muir Glen for intense tomato flavor)
- 1½ cups diced bell peppers
For the gnocchi:
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step 1: Blanch and Prep the Spinach
Begin by placing a medium pot of salted water on the stove and bring it to a boil.
Place a strainer in the water, add the spinach, and blanch for one minute.
Remove the strainer, allowing the spinach to drain, but leave the water on the heat.
Squeeze the excess water from the spinach and place it in a medium bowl.
Set aside as you will return to this water later to cook the gnocchi.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large sauté pan, heat oil over medium-high heat.
Add the onion, peppers, and pepper flakes.
Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Move the vegetables to the edges of the pan and add the sausage meat.
Cook until the sausage is browned.
Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until the mixture thickens.
Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi and Combine with Cream
Bring the reserved pot of water back to a boil and add the gnocchi.
Once they float, remove them with a strainer and discard the water.
Return the drained gnocchi to the pan, adding heavy cream, and heat over medium until the gnocchi absorb the cream.
Remove from heat when done.
Step 4: Mix the Spinach Mixture
While the gnocchi is cooking, return to the medium bowl containing the spinach.
Add ricotta, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, basil, and ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In a 2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the meat sauce on the bottom.
Spread all of the ricotta and spinach mixture over it, then layer all of the gnocchi.
Follow with the second half of the meat sauce and sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan.
Top the dish with mozzarella.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Once baked, let the casserole set for ten minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to firm up.
Enjoy your delicious gnocchi and sausage bake!
